A misrepresentation of facts regarding Solvang School’s Superintendent Dr. John Karbula has appeared in a local paper and so far has gone uncorrected there. Here, I would like to correct, from an objective and factual viewpoint, those misstatements.
Dr. Karbula does indeed attend school functions. In fact, he and I work to support and attend all school events possible.
Regarding an alleged abduction of a student, as soon as Dr. Karbula was aware of the situation, he contacted the student’s parents and the Sheriff’s Office. He then sent a letter to parents informing them and providing appropriate information. Protocol was followed.
Solvang School did lose 40 students; lower than projected. Of that number, 26 moved out of the area. Of the remaining 14, only one parent requested an inter-district transfer, citing bullying. We do not have factual reasons for the remaining students. Additionally, 100 Solvang School students attend our school through inter-district transfers from other schools in the valley.
Last year was the first year for the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), a completely different approach to school funding. In February 2014 a rough draft was presented to the School Site Council, District English Learner Advisory Council, teachers, and the school board. Parent meetings began in April. This year the process was expanded; an LCAP committee was formed that included more teachers and parents. Dr. Karbula has done everything possible to ensure the process is transparent, while at the same time staying within the parameters of state guidelines and requirements.
The information presented previously appears to be biased and intended to ruin the reputation of a dedicated educator without seeking facts and opinions from objective sources.
Patricia Merritt is assistant superintendent of Solvang School.